A recent G1000 study on democratic engagement reveals that a majority of Belgians feel they lack sufficient influence over government policy decisions and want more direct

involvement. The study highlights that only 24 percent of Belgians feel they have an adequate say in shaping government policies, and just 13 percent believe that political leaders seriously consider public opinion in their decisions. This sense of disconnect is especially strong at the European level, where only 18 percent feel engaged, compared to 54 percent at the local level.

In response to these frustrations, a significant portion of Belgians express enthusiasm for more participatory democracy. Over three-quarters are open to joining citizen panels or mixed commissions that bring together both elected officials and randomly selected citizens, offering a more collaborative approach to decision-making.

These findings underscore a deep distrust of traditional political structures, with 69 percent of Belgians expressing low or no confidence in political parties and leaders. “Belgians are eager for more than just a vote; they want a meaningful role in the democratic process,” explained Bram Verschuere, a researcher at Ghent University.

The study, led by G1000—a platform focused on democratic renewal—was conducted by the research firm Indiville, surveying a representative sample of 1,140 Belgians. Photo by Steven Fruitsmaak/Wikinews, Wikimedia commons.